School Bus Services

Transport Services: Heart of England School

Many of our students catch a bus to school each day. Bus services cover a wide area, including Hampton in Arden, Meriden and certain areas of Coventry. Bus Services to Heart of England School are operated by the following companies and the most up to date information can be found on their websites. Students travelling from Marston Green will need to access train services to Berkswell Station.

Page Index

Ridley’s Coaches: 180, 181 and 184

We have appointed Ridley’s Coaches to run our three bus services from Coventry to school, please see routes below.  The cost of a bus pass for the 2023-2024 academic year is £550.

Ridley’s Bus Passes

Ridley’s bus passes are administered by Heart of England School.  Please contact school about passes for these services.

Downloadable Versions of Routes

Interactive Map of Ridley’s Bus Routes

menu-icon Select this icon at the top left of the image below to open the side menu and highlight different routes available:

Meadway Coaches: 182, 183 and 825

Meadway Coaches run the 182, 183 and 825 services.

Details for the 182, 183 and 825 on Meadway services should be directed to Solihull council via:

Meadway 182 and 183 services from Meriden/Millisons Wood

Palmers 825 service covering Bickenhill-Hampton in Arden-Barston

During the Bickenhill road closures, an alternative minibus will be picking up and dropping off students that use the Bickenhill bus stop.

  • This will be operated by Palmers Coaches on behalf of Solihull Council
  • the bus stop will be located at Catherine de Barnes Lane at the Junction of St. Peter’s Lane, right by Sell your Car to Jack dealership.

Grosvenor Coaches: 826

Operated on behalf of Solihull Council

Birmingham International Coaches: 827

Operated on behalf of Solihull Council

Bus Passes and Transport Assistance

Detailed information about the financial assistance available in purchasing a bus pass, and an application form, can be found at:

Behaviour

High standards of behaviour are expected at all times to ensure safety when students are travelling on buses.  We know that most of you behave well on the journey to and from school, but sometimes the behaviour of a few can make the journey unpleasant or dangerous for others. Action will be taken to support and discipline students who choose to ignore our non-negotiables in school or off site.

The behaviour of students will be monitored by the bus driver and any unacceptable behaviour will be reported to the school, this may result in disciplinary measures such as restrictions being placed on the student and their use of use of school transport.

In severe cases to ensure everyone’s safety, a student may be banned from using the school bus. In this instance parents/carers would need to make alternative transport arrangements.

To ensure that everyone stays safe the following behaviours should be adhered to:

  • Arrive at the bus stop in time and wait safely
  • Keep the bus tidy by taking your litter home with you
  • Be polite to the driver and do not do anything to distract him/her
  • Stay in your seat and keep noise to a minimum
  • Look after your belongings and don’t forget to take all of your belongings with you when you get off the bus

End of School Day

At 3.25pm, the end of each school day, students using buses should assemble on the school yard where they will be supervised by staff.  Students will be released in an orderly manner as their bus arrives.  If a student misses the bus the school will take steps to ensure that they are transported home safely, which may initially involve students making a phone call to parents.  Students are not allowed to leave the premises if they miss their bus, without first consulting with Mr Hawkes or their Pastoral Manager.

Please note that all information is correct at time of going to press.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my child receive their free bus pass?

Bus passes from Solihull council will be sent to the school and distributed when students arrive.

Ridleys bus passes will be printed in school ready to be distributed when students arrive.

How do I buy a bus pass and how much do they cost?

Details of how to apply for a bus pass for Solihull based students can be found on the SMBC website as follows:

The Ridley’s passes are administered by Heart of England School.  To enquire about a Ridleys Bus please send an email detailing your child’s name and which of the services you require to:

What if I haven’t received my bus pass at the start of term? Will I be allowed on the bus and will I need to pay?

There is a grace period of one week on Ridleys buses and a month on Solihull Council operated buses when students will be allowed on the buses even if they have not received their passes.

Where do buses stop in the morning and at what time?

Please refer to the interactive route maps above.

Where do I wait for the bus after school?

At 3.25pm, the end of each school day, students using buses should assemble on the school yard behind the main sports hall where they will be placed into bus lines and supervised by staff.  Students will be released in an orderly manner as their bus arrives.

What if the bus does not come to my stop in the morning?

Students are advised to have the school number with them. If the bus does not arrive they should notify parents and contact school for further advice.

What if I miss the bus in the morning or after school?

If a student misses the bus in the morning they should call their parent/carer. If they miss their bus after school, we will take steps to ensure that they are transported home safely, which may initially involve students making a phone call to parents.  Students are not allowed to leave the premises if they miss their bus, without first consulting the member of staff on bus line duty. During the first week in September, Year 7 students will finish their school day 5 minutes earlier to allow them more time to make their way to the bus  lines on the school yard.

If I am going to my friend’s house with them on the bus can I pay cash and if yes how much is it?

No, only those with bus passes can travel on our bus services.

Updated: 04.11.2022